Many of us have worked hard to own our own home…maybe because that’s because there was no smashed avocado on toast 20 years ago. For Baby Boomers the benefit of property ownership is that the wealth is in our home and most of us are now looking to lock in our capital gains and move to a lifestyle that is more suitable.

I’m not talking about getting older and needing care, but more wanting the freedom, fun and social aspect that comes with living in a community. The question is, how do you get the lifestyle whilst protecting your capital gains ...

They say that between your kids leaving home to moving into a nursing home or some type of care, there are 8,000 days… That’s over 20 years to enjoy life and do all those things you never had time for.

Traditionally the Aussie retiree worked until they died and there was no ‘retirement’ years to enjoy. But great health and wealth mean Baby Boomers have an opportunity to start a new phase of their life. Whether it’s making a seachange or tree change, many take the opportunity to re-engage with some fun, friends and fitness.

Halcyon is one of just eight operators ...

Unfortunately, communities change and for many of us the street you raised you kids in doesn’t have a sole you know.  Long gone are the days where your next door neighbour waved each morning as you left for work, or put out your garbage bin for you if you forgot.  What about when you liked your neighbours enough to catch up for drinks and socialise. These days with many more renters moving in next door and changing every six months, that ‘old school’ mentality is gone… unless you live in a Halcyon community.

Living with like-minded people who share similar interests ...

Ever wondered what it would be like to actual ‘know’ your neighbours and live in a secure like minded community?

Well it’s not surprising to learn that more and more older Australians are choosing to live in gated over 50’s communities. Here are some of the benefits that come with living in an over 50’s community.

Security:
Arguably the number one reason people choose to live in a gated community is likely to be the security element. Because a gated community is private, it is more difficult to access than a standard community or traditional neighbourhood home.

Most gated communities now have CCTV ...

Do you have that never-ending list of chores and upkeep that you need to get to.. maybe it’s a fresh coat of paint for the bedroom, or fixing that crack you have seen in the brickwork? All those things that come with staying in your family home longer.

Have you ever considered downsizing or shifting homes to something new and lower maintenance? A Halcyon over 50’s lifestyle community is one option that provides a brand new, low maintenance home that will free up your time to enjoy the great things in life! I mean I even heard someone say that downsizing ...

One favourite piece of furniture could sort your entire interior design, says Halcyon senior interior designer Shereen Tanwan.

Ms Tanwan said when moving from your family home to your retirement home, it is a good time to work out what your favourite pieces of furniture are and to work your new interior design around that.

“For example, I had a home owner at Halcyon Glades who had a round dining table and eight chairs they bought in 1961,” she said. “They had the chairs reupholstered and picked their new home’s colour scheme around the dining table.

“People often have individual pieces of furniture ...

Are you thinking of making the move to an over 50’s lifestyle community, but need to sell your home? Here are some tips and tricks to turn your dream into a reality…

1. First in best dressed
Have you heard the saying, “first in best dressed”, well the same goes for selling your house… A well-dressed home will sell faster, just switch on your TV and watch the many shows that take a tired-looking home and carry out those little changes that the owner had wanted to do for years but never did, then dress the home in the latest style ...

No doubt you’ve spent many a night pondering over your future living options, with a glass of your favourite red in hand… Deciding on where you are going to live is one of the biggest decisions in your life, I always say go with your gut, but for a more conservative approach to the decision-making process, breaking things down really helps.

Prioritise
What is important to you? Do you want to be near your friends and family? Do you want a complete start over? Do you want to be by the water? Do you want to wake up to the sounds ...

They say that the emotional impact of selling and moving from your family home can be one of the most stressful situations we can experience. Not only do we develop attachments to our home and communities but we also let go of some really important memories and milestones. 
Here are some tips on surviving the move and enjoying your new home and life:

Be prepared
Both psychologically and physically. Come to terms with the idea that you may experience anxiety, grief or fear of the unknown, if you are leaving important people behind. View the move in a positive light and ...